The Culture Whisper guide to Borough: where to eat, drink and enjoy

The best of Borough: restaurants, the world famous Borough Market, hidden Georgian squares, London's first seawater pizza and spectacular pancakes

Park Street by Borough Market. Photo by Megan Atkinson

Borough is famous for its market and is a true foodie hotspot. But while many tourists don’t venture beyond the bounds of Borough Market, any resident could tell you that they’re lucky to live in one of London's most vibrant local areas.

Here is Culture Whisper’s guide to the best of Borough.The Market

Borough Market. Photo by Kat Molesworth

Borough Market needs no introduction. It’s probably the most famous market in the capital, and as a result is heaving with tourists and can sometimes be an unpleasant experience. But that doesn’t mean locals steer clear. Try going early in the morning during the week, or before about 11am on Saturday for the least stressful experience. It’s still magical and there are some fantastic treats to be had. Jock Stark, a little fruit a veg grower in the Green Market, sells fabulous produce at non-touristy prices, and Chegworth Valley have the best apples and pears in the capital.

As you’d expect, the shopping here can be rather food centric. Whether that’s gorgeous English cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy on Park Street, or chic kitchen supplies Borough Kitchen, this foodie haven has all the bases covered. Park Street’s German Deli is a favourite for central European sweets and saurkaut, and a short hop from Borough station Last Street Wine has the best selection of small producer bottles at terrifically reasonable prices. Though we’re not going to lie, the pretty black and white tiled floor and wood-panelled shelving adds to the experience too.

For less epicurean goodies, there’s a branch of stylish London eyewear brand Cubitts, and skincare courtesy of Aesop and Neal’s Yard Remedies. There’s also fantastic little flea market every weekend at nearby Flat Iron Square. Culture and History

Trinity Church Square. Photo by Megan Atkinson

Southwark Cathedral is worth a peak, as well as the famous ‘Take Courage’ sign just off Park Street. From there wander down Borough High Street to Trinity Church Square. Its one of only a few complete Georgian garden squares in London, and is regularly used for filming: from Bridget Jones and the Edge of Reason to Sherlock. The statue in the middle of the garden is reputed to be one of the oldest outdoor statues on London, though his identity is subject to debate. The garden is open every June as part of the Open Garden Squares weekend, where you can take part in free morning yoga.

Top notch coffee comes from Monmouth, just next to the market. But if you want to avoid the occasionally mammoth queues, take a wander down Union Street to the Gentlemen Baristas for a relaxed, chic setting and stellar flat whites. And don’t forget to nip into Burnt Lemon Bakery on Flat Iron Square for one of their legendary cinnamon rolls or lemon drizzle cakes.

Brunch

Dutch baby at Where the Pancakes Are

Avoid the queues at the Breakfast Club and do as canny locals do – book a table at the trendy Where The Pancakes Are for their signature dutch babies. For more of a buzzing, and boozy, scene, London Grind is the place to be seen. And you can count on Lantana or Caravan for more inventive antipodean style breakfast cuisine.Lunch and Dinner

Edwins, Borough High Street

Borough natives are spoilt for choice. Whilst Padella regularly tops the rankings for its outstanding pasta dishes, the queues can be somewhat off-putting these days. Hands down the best eateries in the area are the gorgeous Lupins, with its small plates and superb seasonal flavours, and Edwins, a true hidden gem above the Trinity pub. And what’s even better is that they take good old-fashioned reservations. For stunning Portuguese plates try Bar Douro, and pizza lovers can get their fix at O’Ver, with its special sea-water enriched pizza dough.

Borough is famous for its pubs. The George Inn on Borough High Street is a national treasure, being one of the oldest pubs in London and the last surviving galleried coaching inn. If that sounds a little too old school, then other great boozers include The Roebuck, with its legendary film nights and fiendish Tuesday pub quiz, and live music at The Gladstone Arms.

For wine, head to Tap and Bottle or Bedales. And for cocktails there’s nothing better than a trip up the Shard to GŎNG, with its ridiculous views from the 52nd floor. And for live music and cool club nights look no further than Omeara.